Proper Chimney Care with
A Capital Roofing and
Chimney Repairs, Inc.
by Karen Fetter
Few people realize the importance of having their chimneys cleaned on a
yearly basis. According to Dave Barnhart, owner of A Capital Roofing and Chimney
Repairs, Inc., soot and creosote build up over time and may eventually cause a
chimney fire. Dave has worked on hundreds of different chimney situations and he
guarantees to help each client get the best services.
"A home is an investment," said Dave. "People need to properly maintain what
they own and one way to do this is by having their chimneys serviced and
cleaned."
There are some common problems that can be easily fixed with most chimneys. If
you have a wood burner, an oil furnace, or a fireplace, then take some time to
evaluate your situation. Read the following questions and if you answer "no" to
any of them, please call Dave at 724-217-5727 to arrange for an evaluation and
an estimate. Dave has a service fee of $40.00 and he will deduct it from any
work that needs to be done.
1. Have you had your chimney cleaned in the last 12 months?
2. Do you have a liner in your chimney?
3. Do you have a cap on your chimney?
Question one is the most important. If you burn wood in your
fireplace then it is highly recommended (required) that you have your chimney
cleaned each year. The reason for the cleaning would be to remove a substance
called creosote that builds up on the inside of your chimney and flu walls from
the smoke and flames of a fire. If the creosote is not removed it will continue
to build up and make the opening of the chimney smaller and smaller. Therefore,
the smoke will come back into your house. Also, this substance is extremely
flammable and can cause a fire to occur in your chimney. Because of the nature
of the substance, a creosote fire cannot be extinguished with just water. Most
often it needs to be contained so it can burn itself out. With these risks at
hand, Dave suggests cleaning your chimney at least once a year. The charge for
this service is $129.00 for the average two story home.
Question two asks if you have a liner in your chimney. The
liner works to contain creosote build up and has the ability to contain a fire
if one would take place in your chimney. A liner does not crack and can be
cleaned easily. Liners are made of stainless steel alloy and are ideal for high
heat environments. Chimney liners are also designed for flexibility and maximum
crush resistance. An existing brick or terracotta-lined chimney can easily crack
and let creosote and fire into the rest of your home. Dave has liners in stock.
These liners are not only to reline fireplaces, wood burners, and oil furnaces,
but work well with gas hot water heaters and furnaces so carbon monoxide cannot
enter your home through old chimney cracks.
And lastly, question three determines whether you need a cap on
your chimney. The importance of a chimney cap is that it blocks outside elements
such as rain, debris, birds, and mold from entering into your chimney. All of
these items can make burning a fire more difficult. However, it also becomes a
safety hazard. Even if you have a closed off fireplace you still would need a
chimney cap to prevent the chimney from filling up with mold and debris. Dave
says that 90% of the homes in Pennsylvania do not have caps on the chimneys.
Does yours? There are several styles of chimney caps to choose from depending on
your usage. Dave can use his expertise and give you the best recommendation.
************
Cleaning, liners, and caps are not all Dave from A Capital Roofing And
Chimney Repairs Inc. offers to his customers. He is honest in his estimates and
tries to save the customer as much money as possible. Dave has cameras and
equipment that can show the view and let the customer make any decision. Worried
about contractors making a mess in your home? Dave is thoroughly clean on every
project. He lines the floor with drop cloths as he enters the home and seals off
the fireplace opening so the black creosote will not harm any of the belongings
in the home. Dave attends yearly conferences to continue his education on the
products and services available for chimneys.
Dave fully believes in utilizing wood burners and fireplace inserts along with
chimneys. Burning wood instead of relying on gas or electric can save thousands
of dollars each year on energy costs to heat your home.
Learn how to efficiently heat your home through wood burners and chimneys or to
set up an appointment for an estimate by calling Dave at 724-217-5727. Or email
A Capital Roofing and Chimney Repairs at
chimneycleanman@comcast.net today.
Dave's years of experience can help
you make an informed decision
about caring for your chimney.
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